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The Purpose: To greet the British during “The British Are Coming” benefit bash for Pittsburgh Public Theater.

The Place: The Westin Convention Center, Friday night. The ballroom lobby was lined with Queen’s Guards and special guests Harry Potter, James Bond, Eliza Doolittle, Mary Poppins, William Shakespeare and Robin Hood.

The People: More than 500 of them willing to patter, prance, browse and bid, including gala chairs Dan Onorato with Shelly and Jeff Broadhurst with Sheryl; PPT artistic director, producer Ted Pappas; board chair Mike Ginsberg with Cathy; and PPT founder Joan Apt. Among those who were “knees up”: Vivian and Bill Benter, Manny and Debra Reich, Jean Horne, Christopher Hahn, Sam and Joanie Kamin, Dolly and Curt Ellenberg, Julie and Mike Dever, Russ and Jan Evans, David Hickton and Simi Kress.

The Party: Nobody was knackered. They danced all night to the Rolling Stones and Beatles by Cityscape. In between bites and bopping, guests bid up the live auction, which included a trip for two to London or anywhere Delta flies. Andy and Deb Devonshire had the high bid. KDKA’s Ken Rice was auctioneer.

Hashtag: Brill. The British invasion was a smashing success, raising $450,000 before the live auction and raffle even began.

Fact: PPT performs 240 nights per year for 39 years.

Fact: Nobody gets a party started or a conga line going better than Ted Pappas. He was the first one on the dance floor and inspired all to follow, including the cheeky Queen’s Guards.

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